Herefordshire Council are partnering with Halo Leisure this summer to offer free swimming lessons for children and free fun swimming sessions for families at Halo pools in the county during the school holidays.

The free lessons and sessions, which encourage children and families to get active and learn a new skill while having fun, are being provided as part of the council’s Covid-19 recovery plan which looks to support economic recovery and improve wellbeing across the county.

The free Get Active swimming lessons are for beginner swimmers and those who need to build water confidence of primary school age, and are a course of five 30minute sessions held at the same time each day over a week, Monday – Friday. Lessons start on Monday 26 July and blocks will run throughout the summer holidays. Please call your local Halo pool to book.

The free Get Active families swim sessions are for families of any size, there must be at least one adult aged 16 or over accompanying at least one child to have free access during the dedicated family swimming session. All attendees must enter the pool. These fun sessions start Saturday 24 July and will run throughout the summer holidays. 

Both the swimming lessons and family swim sessions must be booked in advance to ensure availability. You can do this on the Halo Leisure App (search for your nearest Halo pool), on-line at www.haloleisure.org.uk, in person or by calling the pool you wish to attend. Spaces will be allocated on a first come first served basis.

Councillor Gemma Davies, Cabinet member commissioning, procurement and assets said:

“Measures taken to reduce the spread of Covid-19 have had a significant impact on the national and local economy and on people’s wellbeing, mental and physical health.

“These free swimming lessons and family fun swim sessions increase the opportunity for local children and families to get active, and are just part of an additional £6m investment to support economic recovery and improve wellbeing in our county.

“We are focusing our recovery investment based on what our residents, communities and businesses tell us is important and our understanding of what our county needs for a successful and sustainable future.”

Alex Haines, Halo Herefordshire Partnership Manager added:

“So many children and families missed out to swimming during lockdown when our pools were closed. We are delighted Herefordshire Council is supporting Halo’s efforts to get more young people and families more active more often.  With pools in Hereford City, Leominster, Ledbury and Ross-On-Wye – you won’t have to dash very far to enjoy a splash.”

Further details on the free swimming lessons can be found at www.haloleisure.co.uk/activities/herefordshire/childrens-activities/holiday-activities